Northern Forest News Digest

Maine
By: Diana Bowley
You might be itching to pick up that fluffy-looking grayish-white caterpillar but beware, you could be itching if you do.

The hairs of the Hickory Tussock caterpillar, which has black tufts on its back and black spikes, can cause an allergic reaction or rash for some people who make contact with the insect. The caterpillars are being seen in abundance pretty much throughout the state, but more so in the northern part of the state, according to Charlene Donahue, forest entomologist with the Department of Conservation.
Bangor Daily News article link